"Thanks Anthony. You were brilliant both as MC and comedian. The audience really appreciated your intelligent and absolutely hilarious comedy!"
James Ketterling
Chief Organiser
AUSTRALIAN LAW SOCIETY AWARDS

"Brilliant Anthony. We certainly made the right choice. Your comedy was fantastic!"
Senator Dianne Beamer
Chief Organiser
NSW PARLIAMENT HOUSE LUNCHEON

"The TCA asked Anthony Ackroyd to present his show as part of the Association's Annual Dinner. He had the full attention of the crowd of some 315 people who laughed and laughed and laughed. Surely the best possible recommendation for any comedian. The response since that evening has been one of universal agreement that it was TCA's best event ever. I have no doubt that the performance of Anthony was the main reason for that. I therefore have no problems in recommending him to anybody considering using his vast talents.
David Malone
General Manager
TERRITORY CONSTRUCTION ASSOCIATION

Dear Anthony, Thank you for providing some great entertainment at our recent Annual Management Conference. Your comedy spot after dinner was the highlight of our conference and a terrific way to finish the evening. The 200 strong audience of our senior managers from all over the world found your style of entertainment very funny and you even got them all singing at the end.
Well done and thanks again!
Geoffrey C. Tattam
General Manager, Training and Development
BORAL LIMITED

Dear Anthony, Just a short note to thank you for your wonderful performance at our recent Gala Staff Christmas Party held at the Wrest Point Casino. The feedback to the your hilarious act from Corporate Sponsors, Staff and Hospital Management who attended has been unanimously positive. Your choice of material, considering the make up of the audience was extremely appropriate and your comedic attention to every day issues is a testimony to your skills. The pacing of the act was excellent and your ability to involve the audience added to everyone's enjoyment. The organising committee were extremely pleased with the entire evening and your efforts were certainly a major contribution to that success. We would have no hesitation in recommending you to organisations similar to ours seeking a major performer for a staff function or the like.
Gary Knight
Manager, Marketing & Public Relations (Chairperson - Organising Committee)
ROYAL HOBART HOSPITAL

Dear Anthony, Thank you so much for your outstanding comedy performance at our recent national sales conference. Your presentation style was excellent, and far exceeded our expectations. The choice of material was brilliant and obviously well matched to our audience. Probably the best way for me to communicate our thanks is by giving you some examples of the feedback we have received from staff -
"The speakers were excellent - especially Anthony Ackroyd. We need more laughs like this!"  - "He made me laugh until my cheeks ached..." -  "I think the comic was great - particularly because he didn't resort to being crude like so many stand ups do..." - "Ask Anthony back next year, he's great!" What more can I say. They loved you! Thank you Anthony for being so easy to work with, and for giving us a night we will remember for a long time.
Robyn Worthing
PR & Events Co-ordinator
SILICON GRAPHICS PTY LTD

Com Tech had the pleasure of being entertained at our annual conference by Anthony Ackroyd. The audience was a diverse group of corporate and technical clients. In addition to Anthony's professional manner, we found him to be extremely entertaining and humourous. He injected a sense of fun, with his hilarious stories and witty songs. He interacted well with the audience, encouraging their participation and holding them spellbound for the entirety of his act. Anthony is an ideal guest presenter - guaranteed to bring an enthusiastic response to any function.
Anna Wotherspoon
Marketing Manager
COM TECH COMMUNICATIONS

Anthony Ackroyd is undoubtedly the best comedian I have seen work a corporate audience. His polish, timing, choice of material and personal warmth is exceptional. When he took the stage I held my breath because two thirds of our delegates only speak English as a second language! But within seconds he had them all laughing hysterically and they stayed that way until the end of his performance ( and after!). Anthony gave us a night which everyone agreed was the highlight of our five day conference and I would highly recommend him for any corporate event or to anyone who wants to create an exceptional night.
Michael Croker
Marketing Manager
COCA-COLA SOUTH PACIFIC

Anthony is a brilliant comedian. He is also the consummate Master of Ceremonies. His skill and professionalism were instrumental in creating a wonderful night. I would highly recommend him.
Stephanie Whitmont
Marketing Services Manager
AAP TELECOMMUNICATIONS

World class! Anthony is a uniquely talented individual. One of the best comedians I've ever seen and a superb songwriter with an excellent voice. His performance leaves you on a high of laughter and good vibes. He would be my number one choice for any corporate event in need of top quality entertainment. He has my highest recommendation.
Jim Taig
Managing Director
EMI STUDIOS/STUDIOS 301

The best comedy act in the country! Anthony has the rare ability to take an audience to heights of hilarity that leave everyone talking about what a wonderful time they had. And what a beautiful voice! He is a truly heavenly man!
Eliza Tudor
Director
HEAVENLY EVENTS

Thank you, thank you, thank you for your wonderful performance at the Goldwell Crusade at the Marriot Surfers Resort on Monday 25th March 1996. You were the star of the Great Debate, so many of our customers admiring the research you put into the subject and your brilliant wit and delivery. Hope you're free next year.
Terry Fox
Director of Marketing
GOLDWELL COSMETICS

Just a short note to say thank you very much for your outstanding contribution to our recently held National Convention in Perth.
I don't have to tell you how much the delegates enjoyed your "performance" - it really helped to put a great seal on what was definitely our best convention to date. Thank you again for your contribution.
Denis Robertson
RTF Chairman
ROAD TRANSPORT FORUM

Adherence to brief: Excellent
Reaction by audience: Excellent
Anthony's performance was fantastic. Bright, uplifting and hilarious.
Michelle Bender
Promotions Manager
INTERNET TRAVEL

Anthony Ackroyd was an invaluable part of our Strategic Management Conference in June this year, where there were approximately 100 St. George senior managers in attendance. Anthony Ackroyd's contribution to the conference was exceptionally well received by all management. I would have no hesitation in including Anthony in another St. George conference.
Diane Ainsworth
Public Relations Manager
ST. GEORGE BANK

Dear Anthony,
Re: AMP Investments Breakfast - ASFA National Conference, 17 October
I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your outstanding performance at the AMP Investments breakfast.
Given the 7:00 am start, the late night before and the fact that large numbers of Actuaries ( Boo!! Hiss!! ) had secretly infiltrated the room it was not surprising that the crowd was harder to warm up than spectators at a Salem witch burning.
Seriously though, we were all impressed with your ability to successfully complete both the MC's role and your excellent set. I'm still trying to work out whether I'm in a relationship or a relationdinghy!!!
What I would say to any conference booker is - Want a wildly successful event? Book Anthony!
Sincerely,
John Anderson
Sales Manager
AMP INVESTMENTS

Thanks so much for a great night! The delegates got right into the spirit of the event from the start. Your enthusiasm, high energy and outstanding humour were very contagious. Lots of fun!
Charlie Bell
Managing Director, CEO
MCDONALDS AUSTRALIA

I would just like to confirm that Anthony Ackroyd attended as the Australia Day Ambassador at Oberon and performed exceptionally well. He was a charming ambassador and I can highly recommend him as a future ambassador in the years ahead. Anthony's speech was, without doubt, the best I have heard since being involved with the Ambassador Programme both at Oberon and at Wakool. Having a degree in literature and being a stand-up comic gives Anthony two important skills in being an Australia Day Ambassador in that he can stand in front of an audience and confidently project his message and secondly, his skills with the written word enable him to craft a thought-provoking message, which he did on this occasion. He was able to arrange the issues of aboriginal reconciliation, environmental concerns, and ethnic integration without creating offence, but at the same time making people think about these issues. My wife, Sheila, and I had a great time hosting Anthony and we heartily commend him to you in the highest terms.
Bruce Fitzgerald
General Manager
THE OBERON COUNCIL

Anthony managed to make a quiet group roar with laughter with his charmingly witty stories and his outrageously funny jokes. He is a great comedian and a fabulous song writer and singer.
Beth Rae
Marketing Manager
INTEL AUSTRALIA PTY. LTD

Dear Anthony,
Thank you so much for joining us on Friday last, and providing our guests with an evening of laughter. You really did make our night for us.
We've had so many people comment on how much they enjoyed your antics and your humour, I wanted to let you know how well your performance was received. Anthony, on behalf of THE SMITH FAMILY, please accept our genuine thanks for contributing to the success of our Gala celebrity auction, in our 75th Anniversary year.
With thanks and gratitude,
Maree Trafford
Marketing & Promotions co-ordinator
THE SMITH FAMILY

Excellent! Anthony read the audience extremely well and his jokes were well tailored to the audience - they loved him!
Lee McKerracher
Director
ORIX AUSTRALIA

Extremely impressed. Anthony did a fantastic job as MC. The day was a complete success with full credit going to Anthony for the marvellous job he did. He is a truly accomplished Master of Ceremonies.
TELSTRA

Anthony was great! We gave him a really tough brief, the job of MC'ing an informal day of activities was tougher than we all anticipated, and he pulled it off beautifully. Anthony was a pleasure to work with and I would certainly book him again. He is a true professional.
RAPP COLLINS WORLDWIDE

Anthony proved himself to be a complete professional. Not only did we call him some 8 hours before the gig, but with the briefest brief he hit a perfect chord with our audience. What's more he was incredibly funny without offending anyone. A hard act to pull off when the audience includes the General Manager, Directors, Senior Management right through to Sales Representatives, and the ages differ some 30 years. So with very little effort from ourselves Anthony managed to turn a quiet dinner at a restaurant into one of the best evenings of our conference. He is a comic genius!
MASTERFOODS

Anthony is an exceptional talent. His outstanding performance skills were invaluable in creating the evening we wanted. Anthony's extraordinary ability to focus and entertain audiences of up to two thousand people was a highlight of our presentation. I would certainly highly recommend him.
4-D MANAGEMENT PTY. LTD.

Thanks Anthony. Your role as MC at our Product of the Year Awards not only ensured that the evening ran smoothly but that our guests were able to enjoy the awards with the delightful element of humour thrown into the evening mix.
AUSTRALIAN JOURNAL OF PHARMACY

Thank you Anthony. Your act was seen by many as the highlight of the afternoon and certainly set the mood for the evening function. Your humour and delivery are an art form not achieved by many comedians today. I appreciated your efforts to direct your performance to help us fulfil our goals for the event.

Managers and distributors alike appreciated all your efforts and we would not hesitate to invite you to a future event. A job very well done!
NU SKIN PERSONAL CARE AUSTRALIA

Sensational! My client requested a person who could guarantee a good laugh out of a group of tired corporate delegates. Someone who can put a bit of "Oomph" into it, he said. Well, with these criteria in mind the choice seemed obvious and as expected Anthony delivered with guaranteed oomph!
CORPORATE CONFERENCE INTERNATIONAL PTY LTD

Thanks Anthony, the crowd loved you! Your involvement greatly contributed to the success of the evening. We would love to have your involvement in future events.
THEATRESPORTS INC.

Thanks! Thanks! Thanks! for a great evening, you were fabulous. You did an amazing job as Master of Ceremonies. Your involvement was a highlight of the evening. Without you we wouldn't have had such a hugely successful night. Thanks Anthony.
LIFE EDUCATION CENTRES

Wonderful, wonderful, wonderful!!!!!!
ADVANCE BANK

Everyone had sore faces from laughing so much...it was great!!
PEACHES ADVERTISING

A magnificent performance from one of the best comics in the country.
AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL

Anthony's performance on Great Keppel was exhilarating to watch. A comedian at the top of his field and a superb singer-songwriter with a magnificent voice. Now that's entertainment plus! Highly, highly recommended.
JAZZ CURTIS MEDIA

One of the best entertainers in the world! Anthony is not only an hilarious comedian but also a brilliant songwriter and vocalist. His magical performance made our night one we will always remember.
THE HOFFMAN CENTRE

The highlight of our event! Anthony's performance created a wonderful atmosphere that sent the evening soaring and made everyone feel great.
ROYAL FLYING DOCTOR SERVICE

Five cities, five fantastic shows! You had those audiences pumped!
REEBOK

What a brilliant job! A charming, witty, and totally engaging Master of ceremonies.
VARIETY CLUB OF AUSTRALIA

Thank you Anthony. We were delighted when you agreed to do our show and ecstatic with your sensational performance on the night. Everybody is still talking about your marvellous humour as you had them rolling in the aisles. On behalf of Oasis, the homeless kids we cater for, and the audience. THANK YOU.
OASIS YOUTH CARE CENTRE

Brilliant! Thanks Anthony for a stunning performance!
MS SOCIETY

Anthony, you did a fantastic job as Master of Ceremonies. It's rare to meet a performer who can handle such a challenging brief so confidently and so expertly. I will be highly recommending you.
THE AUSTRALASIAN TELEVISION ADVERTISING AWARDS

WHAT PARTICIPANTS SAY ABOUT "LAUGH FOR LIFE!"

"The workshop is an enormous amount of fun and a real tonic if you are feeling a bit jaded. As Ackroyd says the workshop is about having fun, not being funny, so there is very little on the participants. Ackroyd's style is inclusive, open, unpretentious and unthreatening, so everyone can participate without fear of being singled out for that special unwanted attention so common in workshops.

I thought the workshop was also good for developing communication skills and was very revealing in terms of the surprising capacity the average person has to be creative and to have fun.

If I was going to send a group on a team building exercise then Ackroyd's workshop would be hard to beat when compared to other exercises: it's shorter and less expensive and more family friendly than most at one day rather than two or three, it's high energy but doesn't demand prolonged physical exertion as many do, it's highly unlikely anyone will get lost and it doesn't require any dangerous activity, such as abseiling - although I admit it is possible someone could die laughing."

John Feneley, Lawyer

"I had the good fortune of spending a day with Anthony Ackroyd in "Laugh for Life!": what a day! Funny, of course, hilarious, of course, entertaining, of course, exhilarating, also of course. What was not so 'of course' was the warmth, community, spontaneity, depth and inspiration that developed in the group over the day.

Anthony lead us with a light but certain touch through many of the paths of comedy and everyone came away shining. Recommended not just for those getting over root canal therapy but for anyone wanting a dose of life!"

Andrew Hill, Educator

"Thanks Anthony! You gently encouraged me to have fun again for the sheer enjoyment of it. I didn't worry about other people or myself. I learnt to play again just like I did as a child. I'm sure the corporate world loves what you do because you're not into shaming people but gently encouraging them. Thanks again, I loved it!"

Robyn Wallace, Dance Instructor

"Anthony skillfully created an atmosphere where we could laugh with good humour at ourselves and each other while learning skills to help free up our creativity and lighten up our lives. A wonderful opportunity to spend time with a creative and inspiring teacher."

Anne Poulson, School Teacher

"It's better than sex, free as the breeze and healthier than bran for breakfast. Are you getting enough laughs? Probably not, said comedian Anthony Ackroyd at the beginning of a half day Humour Skills Workshop. There were knowing nods around the room of responsible adults: teachers, students, the odd public servant, and a lawyer.

The group had signed on (as I did) knowing we would get some good laughs that day. After all Anthony is a seriously funny guy. What we didn't know was that we were even funnier. Sure it took a bit of coaxing but Anthony transformed us from our self-conscious world-weary-selves into "humoroids". I'm not sure how he did it, I was laughing too much. I remember bellowing like Tarzan and singing in a frog chorus but I can't remember why. The vet student did a great impersonation of a clothes drier and there was a Zorba-the-Greek meets Encounter Group dance at the end.

And somewhere in there we talked as well. Our humour histories might have some painful beginnings said Anthony. He told us some of his own story and a couple of the group talked about their experiences. And then it was back to having fun.

The unexpected extra for me was Anthony's use of humour without laughing at anyone. Watch the sharp end of your wit, he told us, we don't want to get hurt. Good advice. By the end of the day a group of strangers had torn off their name tags, let down their hair, pounded their chests, and laughed together. The only disappointment was that it was over. Like a one night stand. Seductive and elusive. Give me more."

Catherine Hickie, Psychiatrist

"I felt calm and poised as I waited for "Laugh for Life!" to begin because we were instantly warmed by Anthony's presence and his gentle and relaxed manner. A few limbering up exercises like the "Let's have fun chant" and the "Silly Dance" adequately prepared us for an incredible, fun-filled, laugh a minute journey. Anthony carried us through different moods of humour. From hilarious jocularity to simple, joyful humour and at times a reflective inner joy that almost felt like meditation. Overall a totally wonderful experience and a great opportunity to remind you how truly bonding humour really is.

Marie Sullivan, Primary School Teacher

"I approached this with some trepidation, thinking that one might have to pass a being funny exam to qualify! What Anthony quickly made me realise was that this is just another pressure that we put on ourselves. Anthony has a real understanding of how to put people at ease, and his insights, though sometimes confronting are moving and cathartic all at once (I know it sounds messy - bring a raincoat ...)

Being at the workshop showed me that it's hard (if not impossible) to MAKE things humorous, but the native humour in any situation is easy to find, nurture and enjoy. There was an interesting mix of personalities in the group on the day I went, there were self-confessed "always funnies", sometimes funnies and never, ever been remotely funnies.

I thought of myself as somewhere in the middle on Anthony's "humour line", and learned that there are depths of laughter in all of us that not only serve to give a great cardiovascular workout, but to bond and join people in a way I had hardly thought possible.

I was exhausted after the day, but in an incredibly positive way, like great sex! I found it interesting that the person I invited to come along on the day was really just an acquaintance, but I feel a friendship budding there, and I can thank Anthony for that.

I laughed (and was secretly flattered) recently when another participant announced that he had never realised that "Tanya could be so funny!" I guess Anthony helped me realise something we all can learn; life is sometimes awful, often ridiculous, and luckily, fairly amusing most of the time."

Tanya Burkitt, Medical Practitioner

"Absolutely sensational! We've never laughed so much! The transformation that occurred during the workshop was so positive. The workshop was a real turning point for our organisation. Our work members had never socialised together before, but after the workshop we were so inspired we all went out to dinner. We want to get Anthony back for more workshops as soon as possible."

Sharon Rook
Director
THE JOHN MEWBURN CENTRE

"The brief was to provide activities to say thank you to teams for their hard work, to mix the teams and to provide some increase in skills in terms of interacting with each other. Anthony succeeded brilliantly in bringing together a new group of very diverse people whose backgrounds vary in terms of disciplines, cultures, ages and interests, and joining us together in a fantastic afternoon of fun and enjoyment. Well done and thanks, Anthony."

Anne Roman
Human Resources Manager
ENCOMPASS BIOINFORMATICS

WHAT PROMOTERS SAY ABOUT "FRUIT OF MY LIONS"

I was recently involved in bringing Anthony Ackroyd to Bungendore for a performance as part of Weereewa - a Festival of Lake George, and I am now writing to recommend anyone involved in regional arts to do the same.

His show, The Fruit of My Lions, is a winner. Its theme, the perils of parenthood, is one of those universal themes that relates to everybody at some level. The audience instantly recognises the situations that Anthony uses as the basis for his stand-up comedy.

This accessibility is combined with a tender respect for what we all go through, both as parents and children, and the fact that the show is derived from Anthony's personal experiences adds an honesty and depth.

The Fruit of My Lions is an original show, complete with very well written songs, very beautifully sung.

As well as varying the dynamic of the show, the use of music really adds to the poignancy, especially in a song called Wait 'Till Your Father Gets Home'.

Anthony's skill as a stand-up comic is masterly - holding the audience with only a microphone and a guitar. His written gags, his ad libs, his ability to control wayward audience members, all add up to a memorable night's entertainment.'

The buzz amongst the audience on the night was extremely enthusiastic, and this has continued. I'm still hearing raves about it. In fact, the show has been booked for a return performance.'

We had a good-sized audience, especially as it was in the middle of a festival with many things on. It's an easy show to sell, reasonably priced, and technically straight forward. Book it immediately!

John Shortis
CHAIR OF YARROWLUMLA ARTS COUNCIL

After one too many trivia night's/wine tasting/dinner dance's/fete's what a great fundraiser our Comedy and Cocktails night turned out to be.

Anthony Ackroyd had the audience in absolute stitches from the moment he hit the stage. His show "The Fruit Of My Lions" was something that the whole audience obviously could totally relate to. The feedback has been fantastic and a lot of people have said it is the best laugh they have had in a long time.

Already I have people asking if we can get Anthony back next year. I can highly recommend him and his wonderful show as a fantastic fundraising event that is also a great night's entertainment.

Jacqueline Cairns
ROSEVILLE PUBLIC SCHOOL FUNDRAISING COMMITTEE